Princess Anne Leads Royal Approval in Latest Poll
Princess Anne has surpassed Prince William and Kate Middleton as the most popular member of the British royal family, according to YouGov Ratings data from the third quarter of 2026. Her approval rating reached 67%, a few percentage points ahead of Middleton’s 64% and William’s 62%. All three figures fell below their earlier 70-plus marks from the start of the year.
Net Approval Shows Clear Lead for Anne
When accounting for disapproval, Princess Anne’s net approval stands at +60, calculated from 67% favour and 7% dislike. This exceeds Kate Middleton’s net of +56 (64% favour, 8% dislike) and Prince William’s +50 (62% favour, 12% dislike). In the first quarter of 2026, Anne had been liked by 62% and disliked by 7%, giving her a net of +55, indicating steady growth in public favour over the period.
Contrasting Trends Among Senior Royals
Kate Middleton’s approval began the year at 75% favour and 10% dislike (net +65) but declined to 64% favour and 8% dislike by Q3. Prince William followed a similar trajectory, dropping from 74% favour and 9% dislike (net +65) to 62% favour and 12% dislike (net +50). King Charles III trailed in fourth place with 53% popularity, while Queen Consort Camilla ranked eighth at 33%.
Monarchy Faces Ongoing Popularity Challenge
The shift in rankings underscores the need for the monarchy to maintain public support despite its non-elected status. About a quarter of Great Britain’s population favours replacing the monarchy with a republic, though most still approve of its continuation. Princess Anne’s consistent work ethic and low-profile dedication have been cited as factors in her enduring appeal, even as the institution navigates evolving public expectations.
Princess Anne’s Role as a Steadfast Working Royal
Princess Anne has long been recognised as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, undertaking hundreds of official engagements each year. Her dedication to duty, often carried out without seeking publicity, has contributed to her sustained public approval. Unlike more senior royals whose roles are tied to succession, Anne’s work spans a broad range of charitable and military patronages, reflecting her personal interests and long-standing commitments.
Her reputation for a no-nonsense approach and dry wit has endeared her to many, even as she maintains a relatively low public profile compared to the Prince and Princess of Wales. This understated presence, combined with consistent performance, has allowed her to build trust and favour over time. Polling data indicates that her steady rise in approval is not due to a single event but rather a cumulative effect of reliable service.
While King Charles III has recently increased his own workload, Princess Anne’s historical consistency remains a benchmark within the institution. Her enduring popularity highlights public appreciation for royals who prioritise duty over visibility, offering a contrast to the more media-focused narratives surrounding other senior figures.
King Charles III and the Sussexes Trail in Rankings
King Charles III ranked fourth in the Q3 2026 YouGov Ratings with 53% popularity, a notable improvement from the first quarter when his approval stood at 47% with a net rating of +21. By the third quarter, his net approval had risen to +31, driven by a decrease in disapproval from 26% to 22%. Queen Consort Camilla placed eighth with 33% popularity, reflecting a significant gap behind the top three senior royals.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, ranked 10th and 13th respectively, with popularity ratings of 29% and 22%. Both remained in negative net approval territory; Harry recorded a net of -12 with 41% disapproval, while Markle’s net stood at -27 with 49% disapproval. Although their return to Britain in August after six years in California provided a slight polling boost during the quarter, their overall favorability remained deeply underwater compared to working members of the royal family.
Sources
- Prince William, Kate Middleton no longer top UK royal family approval ratings
- Prince William and Kate lose crown as most popular royals
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs taken for medical treatment with head injury
Photo: UK Home Office (CC BY 4.0)
